England have handed a comeback to spin all-rounder Moeen Ali for the second Test against India at Lord’s, starting Thursday (August 12). As the hosts miss the services of two key all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes, the selectors have recalled Moeen with the intention to balance the playing XI better. ESPNcricinfo reported, the […]
England have handed a comeback to spin all-rounder Moeen Ali for the second Test against India at Lord’s, starting Thursday (August 12). As the hosts miss the services of two key all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes, the selectors have recalled Moeen with the intention to balance the playing XI better.
ESPNcricinfo reported, the Warwickshire cricketer will be joining the England Test squad at training on Tuesday (August 10) and could be an immediate entrant into the side as the solitary spin option who can bat in the top 7.
Importantly, though, Moeen has played only one first-class match in the last two years – his previous Test for England in Chennai against India in February this year – and will have to quickly get enough red-ball practise under his belt to be ready for a Test match.
Moeen Ali could make a comeback to England’s Test side at Lord’s.
If he does get the nod, Moeen Ali will play his first Test match on home soil since the 2019 Ashes where he was left out from the side after one game and opted for an indefinite break from the format. The 34-year-old wasn’t available for selection on successive tours that winter to New Zealand and South Africa.
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Moeen has played 61 Tests for England with 2,831 runs at an average of 28.88 and 189 wickets at 36.34 per piece. While the cricketer’s numbers are often cited against and not for him, he has been affected by the lack of role clarity with the ball and constant juggling of his batting spot.
Still, it must be kept in mind, Moeen has managed 5 Test centuries and has a bowling strike-rate of 51.56 – which is less than England’s other, more acclaimed spinners, including Graeme Swann.
And the off-spinner and left-hand batter has tended to produce his best against India. Two of Moeen’s five centuries have been against the tourists and he also had a telling impact with the ball on their previous two visits.
